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Catholic Social Concerns Ministry

Pope Francis: “The problem of intolerance should be dealt with as a whole: every time a minority is persecuted and marginalized because of his religious beliefs or ethnicity, the good of the whole society is in danger”. 10/2013

Helpline Giving Tree: For the next 3 weekends, Nov. 26-Dec. 11, the Helpline Giving Tree at St. Francis & St. Patrick’s, will offer an opportunity during the Christmas season to share essential items of daily living with those in need. (Assumption will collect Toys for Tots.) Items needed this year include: money for heat & bus passes, twin and full blankets, shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, toilet paper, sanitary supplies, razors, toothpaste & brushes, etc. Please take 1 or 2 tags & return unwrapped items to Giving Tree. Make check donations payable to your parish, with notation “Helpline Giving Tree”. During 2015, Helpline assisted 6,412 individuals from 2,763 households, Through October 2016, 2,308 have been helped, including 1,921 children, 561 single parents, 235 veterans, 235 senior citizens (70+), & 395 homeless families. The busiest time is still ahead.

Washington State Catholic Bishops (including Bishop Daly of Spokane Diocese) raise alarm about “crisis” of poverty, urge action, Yakima Herald-Republic, WWUB, 11/18/16: “Hunger, illness, homelessness, and broken dreams shatter the bonds of community that hold us together, bonds that contribute to civic peace and stability.” ‘People who lack the necessities of life – food, housing, basic health care, and education – don’t share fully in the life of the community, which becomes more than an economic challenge.’ In listening to the poor, the bishops said, “We recognize the urgent need for action to alleviate the suffering that has become epidemic in every city, town, and community in our state.”

Feed the Hungry: Please remember to bring much needed, non-perishable, food items every Sunday of this holy Advent season.